Degree Requirements

The Entomology Graduate Programs Graduate Student Requirements Handbook is provided to help you comply with general requirements and expectations for all entomology graduate students. This Handbook constitutes an Entomology Graduate Program supplement to the Clemson University Graduate School Announcements. While the requirements stated in the Handbook do not always provide absolute rules and procedures, you should understand that they do provide a statement of the Program's normal resources, requirements, and expectations; therefore, you should familiarize yourself with them completely.

A student's research project is developed and organized with the help of a major advisor and input from a graduate advisory committee. Areas of specialization are allied with those of the major professor. Research projects concentrate on timely issues in entomology and show strong connectedness with public interest to sustain, improve and wisely use biological resources. Our entomology graduate students have routinely won awards for their research in national and international competitions, and our faculty and alumni are successful in academia and professional assignments in public and private industries.

MS and PhD Degree Requirements

Pass an oral general knowledge assessment compatible with his or her career objectives;

Complete a plan of study devised by the student and his or her chosen advisory committee;

Submit a detailed research proposal to the advisory committee for recommendations and approval;

Develop a graduate program that includes both formal courses to strengthen the depth and breadth of expertise and informal opportunities to stimulate scholarly inquiry;

Complete at least two semester courses in insect taxonomy and systematics (at least one of which must be either "Insect Taxonomy" or "Taxonomy of Immature Insects");

Complete one semester course each in "Statistical Methods," "Insect Morphology," and "Insect Physiology and Molecular Biology";

Attend a weekly seminar series (ENT 809) each fall and spring semester, and give at least one graded seminar presentation (ENT 662) before graduation;

Participate in at least one public service activity for each year of his or her graduate program. [Public service is defined as a non-research activity that transmits entomological knowledge to members of the public];

Submit, as the senior or sole author, at least one manuscript for publication to a refereed scientific journal before final scheduling of the oral examination/thesis defense;

Present an exit seminar as part of the final oral examination with all faculty and students invited to attend; and

Pass a final oral examination that includes a defense of the thesis or dissertation.

Additional MS Requirements

Three semester hours of a Journal Club* course;

A “journal club” course refers to a course that is predominantly centered around data extraction and analysis, via student-led discussions, critiques, and presentations. Historically ENT 810 has served this purpose, but courses other than ENT 810 may be substituted if deemed appropriate and documented by the student’s Advisory Committee.

Present at least one paper at a professional meeting; and

Conduct original research and write a thesis based on that research;

Minimum course requirements for the M.S. degree are 24 semester credit hours of academic courses and six semester credit hours of research.

Additional PhD Requirements

Five semester hours of a Journal Club* course;

A “journal club” course refers to a course that is predominantly centered around data extraction and analysis, via student-led discussions, critiques, and presentations. Historically ENT 810 has served this purpose, but courses other than ENT 810 may be substituted if deemed appropriate and documented by the student’s Advisory Committee.

Present at least two papers at professional meetings;

Assist with the teaching of at least one course for at least one semester;

Pass both written and oral comprehensive examinations;

Conduct original research and write a dissertation based on that research;

Minimum requirements for the Ph.D. degree are 18 semester credit hours of research in addition to the departmental core requirements listed above.